Shelltastic Beanie

Original Design by The Crochet Fix

A super cute, clam shell beanie, with unisex appeal. The simple textured repeat makes this beanie beginner worthy.

           

This is an original pattern by Farrah Jane Tate. You are welcome to sell products you’ve made using my patterns; however I ask that you refer to the exact name of my pattern somewhere in the text of your listing. You may not copy, re-publish, sell, distribute, translate without permission, or claim my photos or patterns as your own in any way.

Queue this pattern on Ravelry. An easy to read, printer friendly PDF is also available for download from Ravelry:

 

Pattern Details

  • OSFM adult size beanie with measurements as follows: 80 chains circumference in 8ply/ DK/ Cat. 3 wool weight results in: ~53.5cm/ ~21” relaxed circumference at brim and ~23.5cm/ ~9.3” length from brim to peak. Resizing tips are provided in this document.
  • Skill level: Advanced beginner to intermediate.
  • Stitch terminology: US – refer to Abbreviations for stitches used.
  • Yarn: 8 ply/ Cat.3/ DK weight wool or wool mix, ~100 grams/ ~3.5 ounces in total (excluding yarn required for optional pom pom). I have used 4 Seasons Pure Wool Entwine and Cleckheaton Wool. These yarns are a thick DK so may be compatible with some thinner 10ply/ Cat. 4/ Worsted weight yarns.
  • Hook: 4 mm/ size G.
  • Gauge: First two rounds should result in circle with ~53.5 cm/ ~21“diameter and maximum shell height of ~3cm/~1.18”.
  • Remember to spam me #ShelltasticBeanie @TheCrochetFix on social media with your finished projects.

 

Synopsis

  • Beanie construction is bottom upwards (to peak) (using decrease stitches to shape the beanie).
  • Textured brim is added after the beanie shell pattern rounds are completed.
  • SC and DC stitches are used to make the repeating textured clam shell pattern. One single shell repeat is two rounds tall and eight stitches wide. First round shell repeat is worked right side and is comprised of: SC, Ch 1, 5 DC, Ch 1. Second round shell repeat is worked wrong side and is comprised of: SC, 7 DC.
  • Each subsequent shell two round repeat is worked offset from the last.
  • Basic resizing tips are included after the pattern instructions.

 

Tips

  • For best results, use a yarn that is composed of a fibre that yields good stitch definition (not overly soft or fluffy). Fibres other than wool can also be used.
  • Use the recommended hook size as a guide only. My tension is reasonably loose, and I have a ‘Rider’ Golden Loop style. For an average sized adult beanie, check that your gauge is close to the gauge mentioned in the Pattern Details. If not, adjust tension and/or hook size and/or Golden Loop style to approximately meet the gauge. If you are still having difficulty meeting the gauge, with the yarn you have chosen, then adjust the foundation round stitch count. Use 88 chains, if your gauge is considerably smaller than the pattern gauge, or 72 chains, if your gauge is considerably larger than the pattern gauge. Please also see other resizing tips on Page 7.

 

Changing Colours

Ideas include:

  • Solid colour throughout.
  • One colour per shell repeat (2 rounds) in transitioning gradient from beanie base to peak.
  • One colour per 2 shell repeats (4 rounds) in transitioning gradient from beanie base to peak.
  • Use 3 to 4 colours and work one colour per shell repeat. Repeat colour pattern throughout construction.
  • Use 3 to 4 colours and work one colour per 2 shell repeats. Repeat colour pattern throughout construction.
  • Use 2 shades of a colour and work a different shade for the first and second round of the shell repeat. Repeat colour pattern throughout construction.
  • Use 2 shades of each of two to three colours. Work the first round of the first shell repeat in the first shade of the first colour and then the second round of the first shell repeat in the second shade of the first colour. Work the first round of the second shell repeat in the first shade of the second colour and then the second round of the second shell repeat in the second shade of the second colour. Follow this pattern for all colours/ shades and then repeat colour pattern throughout construction.
  • Come up with your own fabulous colour design and be sure to share it with me so I can share it with everyone else.

 

Abbreviations

Sl St = Slip Stitch

Ch = Chain

SC = Single Crochet

HDC = Half Double Crochet

DC = Double Crochet

StndSt = Standing Stitch

FpHDC = HDC around the front of the stitch post (instead of through the top 2 loops)

HDC2Tog = HDC two (consecutive) stitches together (reduction stitch)

DC2Tog = DC two (consecutive) stitches together (reduction stitch)

StrSt = Star Stitch (2 rounds total – star ‘base’/ ‘eye’ round and star ‘top’ round)

RS = Right Side

WS = Wrong Side

YOH = Yarn Over Hook

IH = Insert Hook

DYT= Draw Yarn Through

 

Special Stitch Instructions[1]

HDCStndSt

Ch 1 and then SC in the first stitch from the previous round. Ch1 and then SC in both loops of the SC made in Step 1.

DCStndSt

Ch 1 and then SC in the first stitch from the previous round. Ch1 and then SC in the front loop only of the SC made in Step 1.

DC2Tog

Work over two consecutive stitches, to result in a stitch reduction. YOH, IH through first stitch and DYT (so that there are three loops on hook). YOH and DYT two loops on hook (so that two loops remain on hook). YOH, IH through next stitch and DYT to make another two loops on hook (so that there are four loops on hook). YOH, DYT first two loops on hook (so that three loops remain on hook). YOH, DYT all three loops on hook.

HDC2Tog

Worked over two consecutive stitches, to result in a stitch reduction. YOH, IH through first stitch and DYT (so that there are three loops on hook). YOH, IH through next stitch and DYT (so that there are five loops on hook in total). YOH, DYT all five loops on hook.

StrSt – optional (used for brim only)

To make the star stitch requires two rounds of construction – the first round makes the base and the eye of each star. The second round makes the top of each star.

First round. Ch 3, DYT each of the following five stitches (refer to Image 1): second chain from hook, third chain from hook, the stitch the Ch 3 originated from, and each of the next two stitches counter clockwise. There should be six loops on hook in total. YOH and DYT all six loops (first star ‘base’ made). YOH and DYT remaining loop on hook (first star ‘eye’ made). DYT each of the following five stitches (refer to Image 2): star eye, back of last loop of the previous star, the stitch the last loop originates from, and each of the next two stitches counter clockwise. There should be six loops on hook in total. YOH and DYT all six loops (second star base made). YOH and DYT remaining loop on hook (second star eye made). Make each subsequent star stitch in the round as per instructions for the second star stitch. When working the final star (at the end of the round), use the 1st chain stitch (of the beginning Ch 3), the 2nd chain and the 1st chain for the 3th, 4th and 5th loops. Once the last star base and eye is made, Sl St into the loop stitch that is immediately clockwise to the first star eye.

Second round. Sl St across to first star eye. HDCStndSt and then HDC in the first star eye (first star ‘top’ made). 2 HDC in the eye of each star around (subsequent star tops made). Sl St into HDCStndSt.

Image 1

Image 2

 

Pattern Instructions

Make the beanie first (Instructions A and B), working one side of the foundation round, and then work the brim next (Instruction C), working the other (opposite) side of the foundation round (stitching into the base of the foundation stitches).

A) Foundation Round – Chainless[2]

  1. Make a chainless foundation round of 80 SCs total. Note: for the last chainless SC you will need to join this stitch at the base to the first chainless SC, so that the first round is properly joined.
  2. Sl St into the top of the first chainless SC to complete the round.

(Stitch Count: 80 SCs in a round)

B) Clam Shell Beanie Pattern Rounds

First Clam Shell Repeat[3]

Round 1 – RS

  1. Work round on RS. To commence the round Ch 1 and then SC in the first stitch (that the Sl St was worked into in the previous round).
  2. Ch 1, skip three stitches, and then 5 DC in next stitch.
  3. Ch 1, skip three stitches, and then SC in next stitch.
  4. Ch 1, skip three stitches, and then 5 DC in next stitch.
  5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 eight times.
  6. Ch 1, skip three stitches, and then Sl St into the SC made in Step 1.

(Stitch Count: 80 (ten 5 DC shells, ten SC and 20 Ch 1 Sp)

Round 2 – WS

  1. Turn beanie to work round on WS. Ch 1 and SC in first SC from previous round.
  2. Skip the next Ch 1 and then work a 7 DC shell over the next 5 DC shell stitches, as follows: DC, DC, 3 DC, DC, DC.
  3. Skip the next Ch 1 and then SC in the next SC from the previous round.
  4. Skip the next Ch 1 and then work a 7 DC shell as per Step 2.
  5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 eight times.
  6. Skip the next Ch 1 and then Sl St into the SC made in Step 1.

(Stitch Count: 80 (ten 7 DC shells and ten SC)

Second Clam Shell Repeat

Round 3 – RS

  1. Turn beanie to work round on RS. To commence the round DCStndSt in the first SC (that the Sl St was worked into in the previous round) and then 2 DC in the same stitch.
  2. Ch 1, skip three DCs, and then SC in next DC (which is the centre of the 7 DC shell from the previous round).
  3. Ch 1, skip three DCs, and then 5 DC in next SC.
  4. Ch 1, skip three DCs, and then SC in next DC.
  5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 eight times.
  6. Ch 1, skip three DCs, and then 2 DC in the SC that the stitches in Step 1 were worked in.
  7. Sl St into the DCStndSt made in Step 1.

(Stitch Count: 80 (ten 5 DC shells, ten SC and 20 Ch 1 Sp))

Round 4– WS

  1. Turn beanie to work round on WS. To commence the round DCStndSt in the DCStndSt from previous round, and then DC in the same stitch.
  2. DC in each of the next two DCs.
  3. Skip the next Ch 1 and SC in next SC.
  4. Skip the next Ch 1 and then work a 7 DC shell over the next 5 DC shell stitches, as follows: DC, DC, 3 DC, DC, DC.
  5. Skip the next Ch 1 and SC in next SC.
  6. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 six times.
  7. Skip the next Ch 1, and then DC into each of the next two DCs.
  8. DC in the same stitch as the DCStndSt was worked in Step 1.
  9. Sl St into the DCStndSt made in Step 1.

(Stitch Count: 80 (ten 7 DC shells and ten SC)

Third Clam Shell Repeat

Rounds 5 & 6

As per First Clam Shell Repeat. Note: You will need to turn work first, for the repeat of Round 1.

Fourth Clam Shell Repeat

Rounds 7 & 8

As per Second Clam Shell Repeat.

Fifth and Sixth Clam Shell Repeats[4]

Rounds 9-12

As per First Clam Shell Repeat followed by Second Clam Shell Repeat. Note: You will need to turn work first, for the repeat of Round 1.

Reduction Rounds

Round 13 – RS

  1. Work round on RS. To commence the round Ch 1 and then SC in the first stitch (that the Sl St was worked into in the previous round).
  2. Ch 1, skip three stitches, and then 3 DC in next stitch.
  3. Ch 1, skip three stitches, and then SC in next stitch.
  4. Ch 1, skip three stitches, and then 3 DC in next stitch.
  5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 eight times.
  6. Ch 1, skip three stitches, and then Sl St into the SC made in Step 1.

(Stitch Count: 60 (ten 3 DC shells, ten SC and 20 Ch 1 Sp)

Round 14 – WS

  1. Turn beanie to work round on WS. Ch 1 and SC in first SC from previous round.
  2. Skip the next Ch 1 and then work a 5 DC shell over the next 3 DC shell stitches, as follows: DC, 3 DC, DC.
  3. Skip the next Ch 1 and then SC in the next SC from the previous round.
  4. Skip the next Ch 1 and then work a 5 DC shell as per Step 2.
  5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 eight times.
  6. Skip the next Ch 1 and then Sl St into the SC made in Step 1.

(Stitch Count: 60 (ten 5 DC shells and ten SC)

Round 15 – RS

  1. Turn beanie to work round on RS. To commence the round DCStndSt in the first SC (that the Sl St was worked into in the previous round) and then DC in the same stitch.
  2. Skip two DCs, and then SC in next DC (which is the centre of the 5 DC shell from the previous round).
  3. Skip two DCs, and then 3 DC in next SC.
  4. Skip two DCs, and then SC in next DC.
  5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 eight times.
  6. Skip two DCs, and then DC in the SC that the stitch in Step 1 was worked in.

(Stitch Count: 40 (ten 3 DC shells and ten SC))

Round 16– WS

  1. Turn beanie to work round on WS. To commence the round DCStndSt in the DCStndSt from previous round.
  2. DC in next DC.
  3. SC in next SC.
  4. Work a DC in each of the next 3 DC shell stitches.
  5. SC in next SC.
  6. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 six times.
  7. DC in next DC.
  8. Sl St into the DCStndSt made in Step 1.

(Stitch Count: 40 (ten 3 DC shells and ten SC)

Round 17 – RS

  1. Work round on RS. To commence the round Ch 1 and then SC in the DCStndSt from the previous round.
  2. Skip a DC and then 2 DC in next SC.
  3. Skip a DC and then SC in next DC.
  4. Skip a DC and then 2 DC in next SC.
  5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 eight times.
  6. Sl St into the SC made in Step 1.

(Stitch Count: 30 (ten 2 DC shells and ten SC)

Round 18 – WS

  1. Turn beanie to work round on WS. Ch 1 and SC in first SC from previous round.
  2. DC2Tog over the next 2 DCs.
  3. SC in the next SC from the previous round.
  4. DC2Tog over the next 2 DCs.
  5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 eight times.
  6. Sl St into the SC made in Step 1.

(Stitch Count: 20 (ten DC2Tog and ten SC)

Round 19 – RS

  1. Turn beanie to work round on RS. To commence the round HDCStndSt in the first SC from the previous round.
  2. DC in next stitch. (HDCStndSt and DC count as first DC2Tog.)
  3. DC2Tog over the next two stitches.
  4. Repeat Step 3 eight times.
  5. Skip HDCStndSt and Sl St into the DC that was made in Step 2.

(Stitch Count: 10 DC2Tog)

Round 20– WS

  1. Turn beanie to work round on WS. To commence the round Ch 1 and SC in DC from previous round (that the previous round Sl St was worked into).
  2. HDC in next stitch (SC and HDC count as first HDC2Tog.)
  3. HDC2Tog over the next two stitches.
  4. Repeat Step 3 three times.
  5. Skip SC and Sl St into the HDC made in Step 2.

(Stitch Count: 5 HDC2Tog)

Round 21

Fasten off yarn leaving a long tail. Sew the remaining 5 stitches together, then sew in end securely.

Optional: Add a pom pom for some extra cuteness.

C) Textured Brim Rounds

Before commencing the brim, you will need to rotate the beanie 180o so that the peak is facing downwards and the base of the foundation round stitches is facing upmost. Work into the base of each foundation round stitch, commencing in the first stitch of the foundation round.

There are a few different options for working the brim. My preference is to work multiple star stitch repeats. However, if you would prefer an easier and quicker option, I have included two other options below.

Star Stitch Brim Option – most difficult

Round 1

Join yarn in first foundation stitch base. Ensure work is facing RS. Work StrSt Special Stitch instructions Round 1.

Round 2

Work StrSt Special Stitch instructions Round 2.

Rounds 3 to 4

Repeat Rounds 1 and 2.

Rounds 5 to 6[5]

As per Rounds 3-4. Fasten off yarn leaving a long end and then sew in end securely.

Ribbed Brim Option[6] – less difficult

  1. Join yarn in first foundation stitch base. Ensure work is facing RS. Ch 7 (away from the foundation round).
  2. HDC in third chain from hook, and then HDC in the remaining four chains (back towards the foundation round).
  3. Sl St into the foundation stitch that is one stitch counter clockwise from the stitch that the Ch 7 (made in Step 1) originated from.
  4. Sl St into the next foundation stitch (counter clockwise).
  5. Turn work, and then FpHDC around each of the 5 HDC made in Step 2. (Ensure you do not chain before commencing the FpHDC.)
  6. Turn work, Ch 1[6] and then FpHDC around each of the 5 HDCs.
  7. Sl St into the foundation stitch that is one stitch counter clockwise from the Sl St stitch that was made in Step 4.
  8. Sl St into the next foundation stitch (counter clockwise).
  9. Repeat Steps 5 to 8 until brim is one HDC width shy of completion.
  10. Repeat Steps 5 and 6.
  11. Sl St into the first foundation stitch, then seam the edges of the ribbed brim either by sewing or using Sl St. Sew in yarn end securely.

DC on WS – least difficult (beginner worthy)

Round 1

Turn work to WS. Work a DCStndSt in first foundation chain stitch base. Work a DC in each of the next foundation chain stitch bases around.

Rounds 2 Onwards

Repeat Round 1 until brim is the desired depth. If preferred, Sl St around to neaten finish (ensuring same tension as previous round is maintained, so that the base does not become too tight – size up hook if preferred). Sew in yarn end securely.

 

Alternative First Clam Shell Repeat (first two rounds only)

These are the alternative instructions for the first two rounds, if less of a gap between the foundation round and the first round is preferred. Only use this method once. For rounds 5-6 and 9-10, refer to the standard first repeat instructions instead.

Round 1 – RS

  1. Work round on RS. To commence the round Ch 1 and then SC in the first stitch (that the Sl St was worked into in the previous round).
  2. Ch 1, skip a stitch, and then Sl St in next stitch.
  3. Skip a stitch and then 5 DC in next stitch.
  4. Skip a stitch, then Sl St in next stitch.
  5. Ch 1, then skip a stitch.
  6. SC in next stitch.
  7. Ch 1, skip a stitch, and then Sl St in next stitch.
  8. Skip a stitch and then 5 DC in next stitch.
  9. Skip a stitch, then Sl St in next stitch.
  10. Ch 1, then skip a stitch.
  11. Repeat Steps 6 to 10 eight times.
  12. Sl St into the SC made in Step 1.

(Stitch Count: 100 (ten 5 DC shells, ten SC, 20 Sl St and 20 Ch 1 Sp)

Round 2 – WS

  1. Turn beanie to work round on WS. Ch 1 and SC in first SC from previous round.
  2. Skip the next Ch 1 and Sl St and then work a 7 DC shell over the next 5 DC shell stitches, as follows: DC, DC, 3 DC, DC, DC.
  3. Skip the next Sl St and Ch 1 and then SC in the next SC from the previous round.
  4. Skip the next Ch 1 and Sl St and then work a 7 DC shell as per Step 2.
  5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 eight times.
  6. Skip the next Sl St and Ch 1, and then Sl St into the SC made in Step 1.

(Stitch Count: 80 (ten 7 DC shells and ten SC)

 

Messy Hair Bun/ Ponytail Option

Work as per pattern above but instead, finish beanie either after Round 16 or Round 18. Sl St in each stitch around to neaten the finish. Alternatively, work a round of Sl St or SC over a small to medium size elastic hair band.

 

Basic Resizing Tips

There are three easy resizing options:

  • Adjust tension and/ or hook size and/ or Golden Loop style using DK yarn, and retain the stitch count and total number of rounds as per above pattern. This can be used to achieve a small variation to the size of the standard beanie.
  • Adjust the weight category of yarn used and retain the stitch count and total number of rounds as per above pattern. This will achieve a larger variation to the size of the standard beanie. For example, use Sport weight yarn to make a smaller and lighter weight beanie that will fit a smaller child. Or use Worsted weight yarn to make a larger and bulkier beanie, equivalent to men’s medium to large size (depending on hook size used).
  • Adjust the total stitch count and number of rounds using DK yarn – for either approximate or tailored fit . The simplest approximate method is to modify the total stitch count by a factor of eight. This retains the shell repeat width as eight stitches wide. The more complex tailored method – resulting in a more individually tailored fit – is to modify the shell width by changing the number of stitches a shell is comprised of. This is not currently in the scope of this particular pattern; however I may subsequently provide additional tailored sizes. Both of the above methods will require a depth adjustment (modification of the total number of rounds) if the total stitch count deviates significantly from the standard 80 Ch. Note: The shell pattern does have some stretch so in most cases, the simpler approximate option will suffice.

DK approximate method

  1. Determine the person’s head circumference chain number (HCCN). Either:
    • Determine the relaxed number of chains that fit around the person’s head, or
    • Ask the person to measure their head circumference using a tape measure. Then determine the relaxed number of chains that are equivalent to this tape measure circumference.
  2. Get the adjusted foundation chain number (AFCN) by determining the factor of eight that is the closest to the HCCN. For most adults this will be as per the standard pattern count of 80 Ch. For adults with a larger than average head circumference, this will be 88 Ch. Younger children will be adjusted to 72 Ch or 64 Ch, and babies to 56 Ch. If the HCCN is in the middle of two factors of eight, consider the smaller factor, as the beanie will stretch (unless you prefer to allow room for a child to grow). For example, if the HCCN is 75-76 Ch then use 72 Ch as the AFCN, rather than 80 Ch. If using the smaller factor, ensure you work the brim with a slightly looser tension than you’d typically use, or alternatively, go up a quarter to half a hook size to work the brim. If using the larger factor, ensure you work the brim with a slightly tighter tension than you’d typically use, or alternatively, go down a quarter to half a hook size to work the brim.
  3. If the HCCN and AFCN are discrepant by more than ~4 cm/ ~1.6” then you may wish to try tailoring the fit by adjusting the shell stitch count.

 

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Pattern Versioning

 

Version Date Comments
0.1 01/06/2019 Draft Version
0.2 11/06/2019 Inclusion of brim instructions. Corrections/ enhancements to instructions. Draft ready for testing.
0.3 21/06/2019 Enhancements from testing.
0.4 28/06/2019 Missing arrow inserted into Image 2. Ribbed brim instructions updated.
0.5 11/07/2019 Note added to footnote 4 re Sl St across/join yarn in middle DC of 3 DC cluster from previous round.

 

A Little Background Regarding This Design

I originally made the textured clam shell design several years ago, as a blanket that is constructed in the round. I have several of these blankets in my house and they are a favourite, as the texture is pleasing on the eye and the textured fabric is cosy and warm. The pattern also works up very quickly. I will rewrite this pattern, so that it is easier to make. I will also write up a pattern for the Shelltastic Blanket, which is worked row by row, instead of in the round. This will be an ideal beginner project. So, if you have enjoyed making this beanie, keep an eye out for the matching blanket pattern also.

 

Acknowledgements

Thanks to the following testers for your excellent efforts in testing this beanie design:

 

Footnotes

[1] Please also refer to The Crochet Fix YouTube Channel tutorial videos.

[2] If you prefer not to use a chainless foundation, then work 80 chains using a 4.5 mm hook, and then Sl St into first Ch to form circle. Then switch to a 4 mm hook and work the 80 SCs around (with a Sl St to complete the first round).

[3] If you prefer not to have so much of a gap between the SC round and the first round of the first repeat then consider the alternative instructions for the first repeat.

[4] Optionally adjust the beanie length by omitting or adding repeat rounds. For a shorter beanie, omit the sixth clam shell repeat. For a longer beanie, make a seventh clam shell repeat. This will adjust the length by ~-/+2cm. Note: if a single clam shell repeat is omitted or added, then in order to commence the reduction rounds, either join yarn in the middle DC of a 3 DC cluster from previous round (if changing colours), or Sl St across to the middle DC of the next 3 DC cluster from previous round.

[5] If a shallower brim is preferred, omit this repeat. For a deeper brim, as may be preferred for men’s hats, construct an additional repeat. Every 2 rounds of StrSt adds approximately 2cm to the length of the beanie.

[6] If the brim feels too loose, tighten tension or go down a hook size (i.e. from 4mm to 3.75mm)

[7] Optionally, Ch 2 instead of Ch 1.